The UK government's housing agency, Homes England, has launched a £21.8 million revenue injection via the Council Housebuilding Support Fund to assist local authorities in developing affordable housing plans. Running through March 2029, the funding provides technical, staffing, and pre-development support to help approximately 75 local councils prepare successful capital grant bids under the government's flagship £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme.
Saudi developer ROSHN Group and Talaat Moustafa Group Saudi have signed a preliminary agreement to set up a joint venture for a major mixed-use development in Riyadh. TMG Saudi will hold a 51% stake and ROSHN Group will hold 49%. Initial studies indicate the project could deliver over 55,000 residential units alongside commercial, healthcare, educational, and leisure amenities.
International tourist arrivals grew by 0.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching 690 million, according to UN Tourism's latest World Tourism Barometer. Initial strong performance in the first quarter gave way to declines caused by Easter calendar shifts, Middle East geopolitical conflict, severe weather and high travel costs. Consequently, full-year growth projections have been lowered to between 1% and 2%.
Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF) from 10 to 12 January 2027 in partnership with UN Tourism. Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the event brings together government ministers, investors and financial institutions. The hosting agreement was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to highlight Bahrain's tourism investment opportunities to a global audience.
Abu Dhabi developer Aldar has announced the launch of Yas Riva Reserve, a gated villa community to the northeast of Yas Island. Featuring 292 four-, five- and six-bedroom villas, including 45 waterfront units with pontoon options, the development links directly to Yas Island via a new bridge. Sales open on 26 September with prices starting from AED 7.9 million.
Aldar has announced that Saadiyat Grove, a major luxury retail and fine dining destination in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, will open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Bringing together over 100 global brands and 20 regional debuts, the mixed-use scheme includes luxury residences, hotels, executive office space, a wellness clinic and a 2,000 square metre BXR gym.
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